0
Snappy Posted 17 years ago
Grammar

Usage of definite/indefinite article

Does this conversation sound natural?
A: Can you tell me how to restart this machine?
B: Sure. It's easy. Open the top cover and press a small green button that is located on the back of the top cover.
Should it be "press the small green button" instead of "press a small green button" because there is only one small green button on the back of the top cover?
B did not know the existence of the small green button until A told B. Therefore, I'm wondering if either "press a small green button" or "press the small green button" will do in this case.
  

Top answer

Hi, Does this conversation sound natural? No, it doesn't. Here's the natural version.

  • Hi, Does this conversation sound natural?
  • No, it doesn't.
  • Here's the natural version.
  • A: Can you tell me how to restart this machine, please?
  • B: Sure.
Free · every Monday

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

New words, one handy idiom, and a 2-minute quiz — delivered to your inbox to keep your streak alive.

5 Answers
0
Hi,

Does this conversation sound natural? No, it doesn't. Here's the natural version.



A: Can you tell me how to restart this machine, please?
B: Sure. It's easy. Just press this button.



Clive
0
CliveHi,

Does this conversation sound natural? No, it doesn't. Here's the natural version.



A: Can you tell me how to restart this machine, please?
B: Sure. It's easy. Just press
0
Hi,

Please guess when they talk to each other over the phone. OK, but you didn't say that. Emotion: smile

On the phone, you wou
0
Thanks.

English grammar books published in Japan explains:
"This is the doll that he made yesterday," suggests that he made only one doll yesterday.
"This is a doll that he made yesterday," suggests that he made more than one doll yesterday.

Nevertheless, can I use "This is a doll that he made yesterday" in the following cases?
1. I do not know how many dolls he made
0
Hi again,

English grammar books published in Japan explains:
"This is the doll that he made yesterday," suggests that he made only one doll yesterday. Yes.

It also suggests that the listener is already aware that a doll was made.



You might like to consider these examples.

example 1.

I don't know you make dolls.

You walk i

Related Questions